alan

Alan is a masculine given name used in many countries and languages. It also appears as a surname in some cases and is common in English-speaking regions as well as on the continent. The name's origin is uncertain but is commonly linked to the Breton form Alain and to Celtic roots. It entered English usage in the Middle Ages, spreading through Brittany and England with Norman influence. Over time, Alan became established as a standalone given name rather than a title or nickname.

Variants and forms include Allan/Allen in English, and Alain in French. In other languages, similar forms exist but are usually treated as distinct names rather than direct equivalents.

In modern usage, Alan remains a familiar given name in many parts of the world. Its popularity has varied by era and country, with a notable presence in literature and media, and it has given rise to several common nicknames such as Al.

Notable people named Alan include the English mathematician and codebreaker Alan Turing; the American astronaut Alan Shepard; the English actor Alan Rickman; and the English footballer Alan Shearer. In fiction, characters named Alan appear in various works, for example Alan Partridge, a satirical British broadcaster, and Alan Grant, a character in the Jurassic Park series.